Too Big To Fail: Episode 12 | The "Moss U" Experience with Landon Huddleston

Описание: In this episode of the "Too Big to Fail" podcast, Assistant Project Manager Landon Huddleston discusses his experience as a candidate in the Moss U program. Landon shares his journey from high school, finding welding wasn't a fit due to health issues, to discovering the Moss U program via LinkedIn . He was working for his dad as a field engineer but felt "stagnant" with no room for growth. Despite initial hesitation, a tour of the facility, its benefits, and seeing happy employees convinced him to join.

The Moss U program, a new pipeline for people with little to no experience, is set up with rotations to explore different aspects of the company. Landon's first four-month rotation was in the field, starting at the massive Universal project. He was impressed by the project's scale and realized the job was "a lot bigger than just putting pipe in the ground". He praises Superintendent Cristian's dedication, noting Cristian's commitment to the project and his people, even jumping into an excavator to keep the crew on schedule . Landon was humbled seeing the field crews "bust their butt every day" and found a welcoming, family environment . This experience proved invaluable, giving him a greater understanding of installation that can't be gained from computer plans alone.

Landon's next rotation was in estimating. Despite having no prior experience, he was eager to learn. The rotation involved takeoffs and assisting estimators who taught him about key details that affect bids, like trench safety and inspections . Landon learned there were "a whole lot more moving parts" and costs involved than he previously thought. He appreciated the perspective that estimators are the "hunter," project managers "cook the meal," and superintendents "serve the meal". He highlights the humility and willingness of senior staff like Edwin and John to teach and pour their knowledge into the Moss U candidates.

The final rotation was in project management, where Landon "truly fell in love" with the work. Working with Ryan McBride, he learned the complex moving parts of the role, including permits, change orders, and RFIs . He found Ryan and others willing to confidently help him . The bi-weekly presentations, covering topics like bonds and contracts, also helped candidates digest information and ask questions . The Moss U program was ultimately "proven," and Landon successfully transitioned into a full-time Assistant Project Manager role, with his combined rotation knowledge being "super beneficial" . He views the program, which culminates in a full-time role, as "unheard of" and "truly special".

00:00:00 Introduction and Landon's Initial Thoughts on Moss U
00:00:37 The Moss U Pipeline to Full-Time Roles
00:01:08 Moss Utilities' Focus on People
00:02:17 Landon's Background and Discovery of Moss U
00:04:33 Leaving Previous Job Due to Stagnation
00:05:18 Contacting Garrett and Landing the Interview
00:06:21 Overcoming Interview Hesitation and First Impressions
00:07:56 The Two-Round Interview Process and Moss's Culture
00:08:50 The First Rotation: Universal Studios Project
00:09:58 Working with Superintendent Christian and His Commitment
00:11:39 Christian's Hands-On Leadership in the Field
00:12:45 Moss Presentations and Commitment to Candidate Success
00:13:23 Garrett's Dedication and Loyalty
00:15:37 Transition to Superintendent Giovanni and Project Insights
00:16:47 How Field Experience Helps as an Assistant PM
00:17:48 Working with Jose Castillo's Crew and Feeling Accepted
00:18:30 Family Environment and Shared Meals in the Field
00:19:52 Gaining Practical Knowledge Beyond Computer Plans
00:20:49 Structure of the Moss U Rotations
00:21:18 Working with Various Superintendents
00:22:10 Second Rotation: Estimating Department
00:23:22 Understanding Field Work's Impact on Estimating
00:24:39 Realizing Hidden Costs and Moving Parts in Bidding
00:25:28 The Hunter, Cook, and Server Analogy
00:26:33 Working with Humble and Dedicated Estimators (Edwin & John)
00:28:50 Third Rotation: Project Management
00:29:31 Learning the Moving Parts with Ryan McBride
00:30:31 Value of Moss U Presentations and Deep Dives
00:32:15 Gaining Material Knowledge (Dirt, Sand, Gravel)
00:33:40 Moss's Strong Relationships with Suppliers
00:34:29 Moss U vs. a Traditional Internship
00:36:06 The Need for People in Construction and Moss U's Role
00:37:10 Transitioning to Full-Time Assistant Project Manager
00:38:18 The Moss U Proven Process is Working
00:39:00 Moss U as a "Guinea Pig" Program for Growth
00:40:19 Landon's Work Ethic and Appreciation for Moss Culture
00:41:19 Final Thoughts on the Moss U Program

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